Page 48 of Counting On You

His lips curve upwards. “I can’t guarantee it, but chances are I’ll stop bothering you.”

“Alright. I’ll do it. But only under one condition.” I hold up one finger. “Stop analyzing me. I’m already being scrutinized by my therapist during my sessions. I don’t need you to continue her work during my spare time as well.”

“I’m just pointing out positive qualities as I go along. Consider them compliments.” His arms wrap around me, gently squeezing me to his chest. His sudden hug catches me off-guard, and for a second I forget to breathe.

I know he’s only being friendly, but in the privacy of my bedroom, it feels like so much more than that.

Releasing me, he catches my glance, completely oblivious to my confusion. “Thanks. I really appreciate it.”

I shrug, way too aware of his presence. “I don’t mind.”

Under his glance, I feel hot.

Aroused.

Naked.

He’s sitting so close to me, I can feel the warmth of his body seeping into my skin, making me wonder what it’d feel like if I pressed my lips against his.

I swallow.

You can’t be attracted to him.

“If you’re going to write a book while you’re here, how are you going to do it without a computer?” I ask.

“There are three computers in the entertainment room,” Kade says.

My heartbeat picks up in speed. “There’s an entertainment room?”

And computers?

“Yeah.” He stares at me, amused. “It’s hard to miss it when you’re in group therapy right next to it.” His grin widens. “Oh, wait. You haven’t attended group therapy yet, right? I haven’t seen you.”

I ignore his remark as my mind keeps circling around the most important thing. “Do they have WiFi?” I ask breathlessly.

“No. No Internet, if that’s what you were hoping for. You’re not supposed to have any contact with the outside world.”

The air swooshes right out of my lungs in a sigh of defeat. “The whole rehab thing sucks. No phones, no Internet. We’re basically cut off from civilization. Can they even do that? I mean, even prisons have Internet. I feel like I’m trapped in the Middle Ages…” My voice trails off.

“Yeah, but with better food and medical care,” Kade says.

I can’t help the feeling that he’s not really taking me seriously.

“Whatever,” I mutter. “I’m so sick of being here. There’s nothing to do. There aren’t even good books in the library.”

“Is that where you’ve been hiding from me?”

His question sounds like a statement.

His remark is spot on, and definitely the kind of conversation I want him to drop. Ignoring his rhetorical question, I turn away.

“Look.” He lets out a long breath. “Now, I don’t do this for everyone, but I think I have what you need.”

I turn back to him. “What do you mean?”

His hand squeezes inside his pocket. My eyes widen as he pulls out a tiny phone. “You can use it to get online.”

“You have a phone?” I stare at him, almost choking on my words.

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